Thomas County Central High School band and broadcasting departments have joined talented forces to improve a football season tradition.
During every varsity football game, the Thomas County Central Marching Yellow Jacket Band performs its halftime show. And, both school departments have collaborated to make the show even better.
Band director Michael Thomas felt it important to update the band’s presentation. One way to do this is to improve the sound quality for the front of field ensemble.
“Just as the music we listen to changes, the front ensemble is changing,” Thomas said. “Time is changing and technology is upgrading music performances.”
The sound from the ensemble, the line of instruments at the front of the field that do not move during the show (such as certain percussion and keyboard instruments), can be lost in the surrounding instruments, Thomas explained.
“Fine control with proper use of sound reinforcement can restore this ensemble as a viable and interesting addition to the band’s overall sound,” he said.
Since this thought came to mind, Thomas talked to TCCHS Broadcasting teacher Randy Young, who also encourages his students to have hands on experience and said this collaboration is a prime opportunity. To combat the problem, band and broadcasting have added a sound system run by students to make the ensemble’s music heard.
“Instead of utilizing band members who need to be on the field playing, we recruited some of our more audio-oriented students to do it,” Young said.
He added, students who participate in this production have hands on learning with improvising and understanding what the production for a live concert would be like.
Thomas believes that the sound set will bring “a higher level of creativity and introduces a possibility for instruments rarely used.” For example, he hopes to add a synthesizer and a soloist’s microphone.
He’s thankful for the skills of the broadcasting students and their willingness to participate in the halftime show.
“This has the potential to add a new dimension to the marching band in both sound experience and logistics,” Thomas said. “I am so pleased to have the skills and enthusiastic support of our broadcast team.”
A broadcasting student who runs the system during halftime, Richard Lewis, feels the band’s show has improved through the effort.
“I feel it has improved the band’s show because it adds some confidence for them in knowing that people can hear the instruments,” he said.
Band student Harrison Keyton, who is part of the ensemble, loves the idea because of how it’s improved his area’s sound.
“I love what the broadcasting team is doing for us and the band in general,” he said. “Without them, I think not just the pit but the whole band would not sound as efficient and the crowd would not be able to hear the introduction to our halftime show.”
Both teachers are excited to educate their students even more in their field of interest.
“We have yet to see another school doing anything quite like this with their marching band,” Young said. “It’s unique and exciting for the band, for the broadcasting students, and our fans.”